Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a potentially useful tool for the detection of antimicrobial resistance, especially that conferred by β-lactamases. Here we describe a modification of a previously reported MALDI-TOF MS meropenem hydrolysis assay. The modified method was validated on 108 carbapenemase-producing members of the Enterobacteriaceae, two NDM-1-producing Acinetobacter baumannii isolates, and 35 carbapenem-resistant enterobacteria producing no carbapenemase. The detection of carbapenemases by MALDI-TOF MS seems to be a powerful, quick, and cost-effective method for microbiological laboratories.

Department of Microbiology Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital in Plzen Charles University Prague Plzen Czech Republic

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Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (maldi-tof) mass spectrometry for detection of antibiotic resistance mechanisms: from research to routine diagnosis